Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content!

Description

Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content!
Offered for your consideration is a Civil War era soldier’s camp letter, written in pencil, with interesting and opinionated content. Headlined
“Camp near Falmouth Feb. 28”
(the year is not noted, but is probably 1863), our writer states that
“If I mistake not, your last favor has not been answered, so her goes … I was over to the 146
th
yesterday – Saw Jimmy G. Dave W. Ford the Wheeler boys & others – David told me he thought he would get a discharge within a month, Ford uses a cane, Dave looks bad, & is but a wreck … Co. D in that reg. can now turn out but about 25 muskets, & I suppose that is the average through the reg. ... HW., J. P. & Myself have not seen each other since Fredricksburg battle …”
. He continues
“… Washington’s birthday was rainy. We were intending in our reg to have His farewell address read & sing some patriotic hymns, but it was altogether too wet. The Artillery did all the celebrating. At noon they (the batteries) thundered out their grim salutes …”
. He describes the soldier’s life as such
“… We have but little to break the monotony of camp life. Have some picketing to do, which is rather rougher than it used to be, as we have to stay out 4 days & nights – without tents, & if it rains or snows have to take it with no better protection than a brush house …”
. This monotony was broken
“… Last Wednesday night about 9 oclock the reg. got orders to fall in fighting trim immediately – They went out to the picket line to strengthen in … The cause of this movement was a raid by the Rebel Cavalry on our cavalry pickets, who came flying in onto our infantry pickets scared terribly … The infantry back here in the camps were set in motion, & expeditions of cavalry started out to bag the rebels – Unfortunately the Graybacks went back over the river too soon, & so our cavalry lost their prey …”
. Apparently, the author had a low opinion of the Union cavalry, as he writes that
“… as a rule the rebels are well mounted our chaps poorly. So in an emergency our men come out 2
nd
best. When Johny Reb is the aggressor, our Cavalry cant run fast enough so get caught, and when the tables are turned and our men are the pursuers, its like a stage coach chasing an engine. The miserable old plugs, which Uncle Samuel furnishes his mounted warriors fail to connect in the time of need …”
. Presumably responding to a letter from home, he writes
“… You are altogether too bitter on our government … It is a naked fact that soldiers reflect the sentiment of the people at home … letters from Friends at home to the boys, in the same spirit, all this has a serious depressing effect on the army Granting that the Government has made serious mistakes, as all are liable to, who travel an unknown road, still the opposition is not such supreme devotion to the Constitution, as it is desire to build up party & break down the ruling power, our opposition at the North, gives aid & comfort to the Confederates … Our danger is not in the Radicals carrying things too far, but Democrats stopping short …”
. Sadly, the author of this interesting letter is identified only as
“Fred”
, though it may be possible with diligent research to identify the writer and his unit. Obviously, the writer of this piece was fairly well-educated and strongly opinionated. His observations are quite well founded and clearly presented. A very interesting and historic letter, certainly worthy of additional research.
The presently offered specimen exhibits folds commensurate with having been inserted into an envelope and mailed, then unfolded and read (probably several times). The letter was written in pencil, causing several words and scattered letters to be smudged or difficult to read. Light toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white to beige hue. Darker stains are scattered throughout the letter, especially near the edges and along the fold lines on the last page. These stains along the fold lines make it difficult, though not impossible, to read. Pinholes are noted at the juncture of the folds, though these are small and do not threaten the integrity of the paper. The letter measures 7¾ x 9¾ inches and is presented on period lined paper (it is interesting to note that a circular design with
“HOME”
has been embossed by the manufacturer at the upper left, underlined and with an exclamation point added). Would make a great addition to any Civil War collection, especially if the author can be determined.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA